Best Trolling Motors of 2026
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Trolling motors are an essential piece of equipment for any angler looking to navigate through the waters quietly and efficiently. These electric motors are designed to be mounted on the bow or stern of a fishing boat, and are controlled by a foot pedal or hand-held remote. They provide precise speed and direction control, allowing anglers to move through the water with ease while fishing. Trolling motors come in a range of sizes and power ratings, so it's important to choose the right one for your boat and fishing needs. They are a must-have for any serious angler who wants to maximize their fishing experience.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Trolling Motors
Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Battery Box Power Center
The Newport Vessels Battery Power Center is designed to make your boating experience easier and safer. With external battery ports, you can connect your trolling motor or other devices without opening the box, keeping things simple and secure. The dual circuit breakers, rated at 10 Amp and 60 Amp, protect your equipment from electrical damage, giving you peace of mind. Plus, it includes a USB charger and a 12V accessory port, so you can conveniently power or charge your gadgets right from the box. This power center helps keep your battery organized and ready to go on your next trip.
Minn Kota Endura 30 Trolling Motor
The Minn Kota Endura 30 is designed for ease of use and durability. Its lever lock bracket offers a secure hold with ten adjustable positions, helping you find the perfect angle for your needs. With a six-inch telescoping tiller, you can easily control the motor, ensuring a comfortable grip while you navigate. The motor also features five forward and three reverse speed settings, giving you flexibility in various water conditions. Additionally, the power prop enhances performance, especially when pushing through thick vegetation, making your fishing experience more efficient.
Marinco 12VCPS3 70A Trolling Motor Plug & Receptacle
The Marinco Trolling Motor Plug is designed to handle up to 70 amps continuously, ensuring it can support your trolling motor without overheating or failing. Its universal compatibility works with various electrical systems, including 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V setups, giving you flexibility no matter your boat's power requirements. The plug features corrosion-resistant brass components, which protect against rust and extend the product’s lifespan, especially in wet environments. Additionally, the receptacle comes with a watertight sealing cap to keep moisture and debris out, helping maintain a reliable connection and protecting your equipment.
Newport Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor
The Newport Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Electric Trolling Motor is a reliable and versatile motor designed specifically for kayaks. With its 24-inch fiberglass shaft, you can easily adjust the depth placement to suit your needs. The motor offers 8 variable speeds, allowing you to have complete control over your ride. Whether you're going forward or in reverse, the 6-inch telescoping handle makes it effortless to navigate through the water. The motor is saltwater rated, thanks to its durable all aluminum motor head and corrosion-resistant hardware. This means you can confidently take it out in saltwater without worrying about damage. Additionally, the extra-long 5'6" battery cables provide flexibility in battery placement, ensuring optimal weight distribution for a smooth and balanced ride. The Newport Kayak Trolling Motor is the perfect companion for any kayak enthusiast looking for a powerful and reliable motor.
Marinco 12VBP 3-Wire ConnectPro Plug
The Marinco ConnectPro Plug is designed to handle up to 40 amps, giving you the power capacity needed for trolling motors and other applications. Its ergonomic, contoured grip makes connecting and aligning the ground blade simple and comfortable, saving you time and effort. The plug features corrosion-resistant brass parts, ensuring durability and reliable performance even in harsh conditions. Plus, it includes a weather-resistant cover and o-ring seal that keep water out, so your connection stays safe and dry. These features combine to give you a sturdy, easy-to-use plug that works well in outdoor and marine environments.
T-H Marine GFH-1R-DP G-Force Handle
The T-H Marine GFH-1R-DP G-Force Handle is a patented trolling motor replacement lift and release cord that can bring convenience to your fishing experience. It features a full grip cushioned handle, a 42" stainless steel cable with a nylon jacket, and a hook and loop restraint strap that fits most trolling motors. This handle can stop cord and handle breakage, allowing you to focus on catching more fish without worrying about equipment failures.
Marinco 2018BP-24 4-Wire Trolling Motor Plug
The Marinco 4-Wire Trolling Plug is designed to make powering your trolling motor simple and versatile. It allows you to easily switch between 12V and 24V power, giving you flexibility depending on your motor’s needs. The 4-wire system removes the hassle of a charge/run switch, so you can spend less time managing connections and more time on the water. Installation is straightforward: mount the receptacle on your boat, attach the black plug to your trolling motor, and connect the red plug to your battery charger leads. This setup ensures a reliable and efficient power connection for your boating activities.
Sixcow MKR-28 Trolling Motor Plug and Receptacle
The Sixcow MKR-28 Motor Connector is designed to work with all trolling boat systems up to 48 volts, making it a versatile choice for your marine power needs. It serves as a perfect replacement for various Minn Kota parts, ensuring you get a reliable and tested solution. With a power rating of up to 60 amps and sturdy 8 AWG marine-grade wire leads, this connector offers strong and consistent performance. Its silver-plated terminals resist corrosion and provide a secure electrical connection, while the IP68 waterproof design with sealing cap keeps your connection safe from water damage. This means you can trust it to perform well in tough marine conditions, giving you peace of mind on the water.
Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor
The Newport NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor is a powerful and efficient 12V electric trolling motor with a 30" shaft, 5 LED battery meter, 6" telescoping tiller handle, and 3 blade propeller. It has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse, and is designed for trolling with a top speed of 4 mph. It requires one 12V lead-acid deep cycle or lithium deep cycle battery (not included), with a 50Ah recommended. Customers have praised its great value, quiet operation, and quick speed, though some have noted water intrusion into the motor housing.
Minn Kota MKR-12 Quick Connect Plug
The Minn Kota Quick Connect makes powering your trolling motor simple and reliable. Its heavy-duty 10-gauge connectors ensure a steady flow of power without worrying about voltage loss or overheating, so your motor runs smoothly. This plug offers a complete wiring setup, including both motor-side and battery-side cables, so you won’t need to buy extra parts. Plus, it’s built to resist corrosion, making it perfect for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. With this quick connect, hooking up and disconnecting your trolling motor becomes faster and easier, saving you time and hassle on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How big of an electric trolling motor do I need?
When choosing an electric trolling motor, consider the weight of your boat. As a general rule, you'll want a minimum of 2 lbs of thrust for every 100 lbs of boat weight. For example, a 3000 lb boat would require 60 lbs of thrust to adequately power it.
2. How fast does a 55 pound thrust trolling motor go?
Under ideal water conditions, a 55 lb thrust trolling motor can reach speeds of up to 5 miles per hour. The actual speed may vary depending on factors such as boat weight, battery type, and motor propellers.
3. How fast will a 100 lb thrust trolling motor go?
The maximum speed of a trolling motor is typically around 5 miles per hour, regardless of the thrust rating.
4. How fast will a 40lb trolling motor go?
A trolling motor with 36, 46, or 40 lbs of thrust, on a 7.5-foot boat carrying a 200-pound load, can reach speeds of around 3.5 miles per hour on calm water. A 55 lb thrust motor in similar conditions can achieve around 4 miles per hour, while a 62 lb thrust motor can reach about 4.5 miles per hour.
5. How fast will a 50 lb thrust trolling motor go?
The maximum speed of a trolling motor is typically around 5 miles per hour, regardless of the thrust rating.
6. How fast will a 62 lb thrust trolling motor go?
The speed of a trolling motor depends on various factors such as boat shape, weight, water conditions, wind, and others. However, a trolling motor with 62 lbs of thrust is designed for trolling and can reach top speeds of approximately 4.25 mph.
7. How big of a boat will a 55lb trolling motor push?
A 55 lb thrust trolling motor is suitable for boats between 12 and 16 feet in length.
8. How fast will a 85 lb thrust trolling motor go?
The maximum speed of a trolling motor is typically around 5 miles per hour, regardless of the thrust rating.
During our trolling motor research, we found 24 trolling motor products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 82,825 customer reviews through our big data system to write the trolling motors list. We found that most customers choose trolling motors with an average price of $45.36.
The trolling motors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of trolling motors, including Newport Vessels, Minn Kota, Marinco, T-H Marine, sixcow. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.
Trolling Motors Comparison Table
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| Brand | Newport Vessels | Minn Kota | Marinco | Newport Vessels | Marinco | T-H Marine | Marinco | sixcow | Newport Vessels | Minn Kota |
| Color | black | Black | Black | Gray | Black | Red | Black | Multi-color | Black | Black |
| Material | - | Aluminum | Plastic | Composite, Fiberglass, Plastic | Brass | Plastic | Plastic | Crafted from heacy-duty flame-retardant material and corrosion-resistant material | Aluminum | Metal |
| Item Weight | 3 Pounds | 16.96 Pounds | - | 20 Pounds | - | - | 0.2 Pounds | - | 23.2 Pounds | 0.14 Pounds |
| Engine Type | - | Electric | - | Trolling Motor | - | - | 4-wire | electric | electric | Electric |
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